Invertebrate · GBIF taxon 2253070
Echiniscus testudo
Echiniscus testudoEchiniscus testudo is a microscopic armored tardigrade recognized by the rigid, reddish-brown dorsal plates that give it a tortoise-like appearance. It navigates water films on mosses and lichens, using piercing stylets to feed on cell fluids and microalgae. During severe environmental drying, it enters anhydrobiosis by contracting into an ametabolic tun state capable of withstanding extreme temperatures and desiccation for years.
MicroscopicExtremophileCryptobiotic
Licensed referenceRobert Martin / CC BY 4.0 · cc-by
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Microalgae
- Moss cell fluids
- Lichen cells
Predators
- Predatory tardigrades
- Nematodes
- Mites
ThreatsHabitat loss, intense desiccation cycles, air pollution
HabitatsMoss cushions, lichens, liverworts, rock surfaces
Life span1–3 months active; decades in cryptobiosis
Classification
- OrderEchiniscoidea
- FamilyEchiniscidae
- GenusEchiniscus
- SpeciesEchiniscus testudo
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Hydration sampling: Soak dry moss cushions in spring water for twenty minutes to revive dormant individuals.
- Microscope lighting: Use darkfield or polarized illumination to clearly reveal the dorsal plate sculpturing.
Predator (c) Schokraie E, Warnken U, Hotz-Wagenblatt A, Grohme MA, Hengherr S, et al. (2012), some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Neighbor Bob Goldstein and Vicky Madden, UNC Chapel Hill / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
Image unavailableNeighbor Close Relative
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